Wilson Trophy format changed for foreseeable future
Following the success of the 60th event and by general demand from competitors, the organising authority (West Kirby Sailing Club) has decided to alter the traditional format of the event and bring the start time forward from 0800 on the Saturday to 1300 on Friday. This will give competitors up to 100 more races than in the past.
Much thought went into the details and how the change would affect the schedule of the event and competitors.
As the majority of competitors come from the UK the main decision, it having been decided that the event will now begin on Friday, was the actual start time. We wanted to provide as much extra racing with as little extra time taken out of the week as possible both for competitors and the army of helpers who will now have to devote extra precious holiday allocation to the event.
Most competitors already had some disruption to their normal Fridays so, if the new time didn’t impinge on Thursday, that would be achieved. Most UK competitors can therefore travel on Friday morning and arrive in time for a 1300 start. Overseas competitors tend to allow more time anyway to allow for flights and many already arrive on Thursday.
Practice sessions are popular particularly with those unaccustomed to the Firefly. They will still be available but on Friday morning only.
Roll on May and we wish the longer and rejuvenated event another sixty years.